It is similar to current treatments for cataracts, except Google’s proposed project includes an “energy harvesting Antenna” power supply, a lens interface, an electronic lens, and data storage capabilities.

Solidifying fluid injected into the eye apparently keeps the implanted device in position, and it could be inserted by laser-cutting an opening into the eye lens.

“Positioning of the intraocular device, fluid, material, or elements could be accomplished by using a laser or other surgical instrument to form a hole in the anterior surface of the lens capsule,” the patent states.

But Google isn’t the only company with this vision. A patent application by Sony earlier this month showed they might one day produce a slightly less invasive, but similarly futuristic, smart contact lens.

The device, made to be worn on the eyeball, would include camera-like abilities.

Like Google’s idea, it could be linked to an external device “for example, a smartphone, a tablet… a personal computer.”

An antenna is “wirelessly connected to an external device and has a function of transmitting and receiving data and a function of supplying and receiving electric power.”

In their patent background, Sony state a desire to have the “image pickup” or camera controlled at the blink of an eye.